Derby-winning jockey hit with eight-month ban

ESPN staff

August 13, 2013

The 2006 Derby-winning jockey Martin Dwyer has been banned for eight months by stewards in India after losing the latest stage of a fight against suspension.

Dwyer was originally banned for 55 days after finishing third on favourite Ice Age at Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai on February 17. The angry response from racegoers caused stewards to declare the horse a non-runner and to take action against Dwyer who claimed the horse had a broken a blood vessel and bled extensively towards the end of the race.

Originally handed a 55-day suspension, this has been extended on appeal. Dwyer said he would appeal the ban which runs from August 31, 2013 to April 30, 2014.

"I can't really comment much further, other than saying I will definitely be appealing," he said. "All I can do now is wait for the official notification and see what the reasons are."

Normally the ban would apply worldwide but Dwyer is free to ride pending the British Horseracing Authority reviewing the situation.